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VA Man To Plead Guilty To Aircraft Interference

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A Virginia Beach man is expected to plead guilty in federal court to interfering with someone operating an aircraft.

Prosecutors say 28-year-old Christopher Bryan Willingham recklessly endangered pilots flying a Virginia Beach helicopter while it attempted to help law enforcement find a fleeing suspect by pointing a green laser at them.

Willingham is scheduled to make his plea during a hearing Wednesday. Later in the day, Willingham, law enforcement and Navy officials are scheduled to hold a news conference about the dangers high-powered lasers pose to aircraft.

State lawmakers are also considering a bill this legislative session that would make it illegal under state law to project a laser at an aircraft.